Reference

EN 16931 VAT categories and the rules each one triggers

Ten of the fourteen rule families in EN 16931 exist to constrain a single VAT category. Each is a complete account of what a line carrying that category must have and must not have, and they are all here, with every rule quoted and linked to its own page.

On the country question, because it is the one people arrive with: the rule catalogue is almost entirely country-neutral. What it does contain is four families with territorial scope, and they are first below. There is no fifth. Nothing on this page says what a particular member state requires beyond the standard, because the catalogue does not say, and answering it from this data would be inventing the part that matters.

For the catalogue cut by field instead of by treatment, see the business terms. For the guidance on an individual rule, follow its code.

Categories with territorial scope

The whole of what the catalogue says about where an invoice comes from. Three name a specific territory and one covers supplies inside the EU.

Intra-community supply (K)

BR-IC, 12 rules

Intra-community supply rules. These apply to cross-border supplies inside the EU using VAT category code K.

  • BR-IC-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "Intra-community supply" shall contain in the VAT breakdown (BG-23) exactly one VAT category code (BT-118) equal with "Intra-community supply".
  • BR-IC-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Intra-community supply" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31) or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) and the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48).
  • BR-IC-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Intra-community supply" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31) or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) and the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48).
  • BR-IC-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Intra-community supply" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31) or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) and the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48).
  • BR-IC-05: In an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Intracommunity supply" the Invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-IC-06: In a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Intra-community supply" the Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-IC-07: In a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Intra-community supply" the Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-IC-08: In a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Intra-community supply" the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amounts (BT-131) minus the sum of Document level allowance amounts (BT-92) plus the sum of Document level charge amounts (BT-99) where the VAT category codes (BT-151, BT-95, BT-102) are "Intra-community supply".
  • BR-IC-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Intra-community supply" shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-IC-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with the VAT Category code (BT-118) "Intra-community supply" shall have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121), meaning "Intra-community supply" or the VAT exemption reason text (BT-120) "Intra-community supply" (or the equivalent standard text in another language).
  • BR-IC-11: In an Invoice with a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Intra-community supply" the Actual delivery date (BT-72) or the Invoicing period (BG-14) shall not be blank.
  • BR-IC-12: In an Invoice with a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Intra-community supply" the Deliver to country code (BT-80) shall not be blank.

Export outside the EU (G)

BR-G, 10 rules

Export outside the EU rules. These apply when a line uses VAT category code G.

  • BR-G-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "Export outside the EU" shall contain in the VAT breakdown (BG-23) exactly one VAT category code (BT-118) equal with "Export outside the EU".
  • BR-G-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Export outside the EU" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31) or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-G-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Export outside the EU" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31) or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-G-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Export outside the EU" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31) or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-G-05: In an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Export outside the EU" the Invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-G-06: In a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Export outside the EU" the Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-G-07: In a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Export outside the EU" the Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-G-08: In a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Export outside the EU" the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amounts (BT-131) minus the sum of Document level allowance amounts (BT-92) plus the sum of Document level charge amounts (BT-99) where the VAT category codes (BT-151, BT-95, BT-102) are "Export outside the EU".
  • BR-G-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Export outside the EU" shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-G-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with the VAT Category code (BT-118) "Export outside the EU" shall have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121), meaning "Export outside the EU" or the VAT exemption reason text (BT-120) "Export outside the EU" (or the equivalent standard text in another language).

IGIC, Canary Islands

BR-AF, 10 rules

VAT rules for the Canary Islands (IGIC).

  • BR-AF-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "IGIC" shall contain in the VAT breakdown (BG-23) at least one VAT category code (BT-118) equal with "IGIC".
  • BR-AF-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "IGIC" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-AF-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "IGIC" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-AF-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "IGIC" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller Tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-AF-05: In an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "IGIC" the invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152) shall be 0 (zero) or greater than zero.
  • BR-AF-06: In a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "IGIC" the Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96) shall be 0 (zero) or greater than zero.
  • BR-AF-07: In a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "IGIC" the Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103) shall be 0 (zero) or greater than zero.
  • BR-AF-08: For each different value of VAT category rate (BT-119) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "IGIC", the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amounts (BT-131) plus the sum of document level charge amounts (BT-99) minus the sum of document level allowance amounts (BT-92) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-102, BT-95) is "IGIC" and the VAT rate (BT-152, BT-103, BT-96) equals the VAT category rate (BT-119).
  • BR-AF-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where VAT category code (BT-118) is "IGIC" shall equal the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) multiplied by the VAT category rate (BT-119).
  • BR-AF-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with VAT Category code (BT-118) "IGIC" shall not have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121) or VAT exemption reason text (BT-120).

IPSI, Ceuta and Melilla

BR-AG, 10 rules

VAT rules for Ceuta and Melilla (IPSI).

  • BR-AG-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "IPSI" shall contain in the VAT breakdown (BG-23) at least one VAT category code (BT-118) equal with "IPSI".
  • BR-AG-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "IPSI" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-AG-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "IPSI" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller Tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-AG-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "IPSI" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller Tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-AG-05: In an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "IPSI" the Invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152) shall be 0 (zero) or greater than zero.
  • BR-AG-06: In a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "IPSI" the Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96) shall be 0 (zero) or greater than zero.
  • BR-AG-07: In a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "IPSI" the Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103) shall be 0 (zero) or greater than zero.
  • BR-AG-08: For each different value of VAT category rate (BT-119) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "IPSI", the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amounts (BT-131) plus the sum of document level charge amounts (BT-99) minus the sum of document level allowance amounts (BT-92) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-102, BT-95) is "IPSI" and the VAT rate (BT-152, BT-103, BT-96) equals the VAT category rate (BT-119).
  • BR-AG-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where VAT category code (BT-118) is "IPSI" shall equal the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) multiplied by the VAT category rate (BT-119).
  • BR-AG-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with VAT Category code (BT-118) "IPSI" shall not have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121) or VAT exemption reason text (BT-120).

Split payment, Italy

BR-B, 2 rules

Split payment rules, used in Italy.

  • BR-B-01: An Invoice where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is “Split payment” shall be a domestic Italian invoice.
  • BR-B-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95, BT-118 or BT-102) is “Split payment" shall not contain an invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95, BT-118 or BT-102) is “Standard rated”.

Categories that describe a treatment

These fire on the value of the category code on the line, wherever the invoice was issued.

Standard rated (S)

BR-S, 10 rules

Standard rated VAT rules. These apply when a line uses VAT category code S.

  • BR-S-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "Standard rated" shall contain in the VAT breakdown (BG-23) at least one VAT category code (BT-118) equal with "Standard rated".
  • BR-S-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Standard rated" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-S-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Standard rated" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-S-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Standard rated" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-S-05: In an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Standard rated" the Invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152) shall be greater than zero.
  • BR-S-06: In a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Standard rated" the Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96) shall be greater than zero.
  • BR-S-07: In a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Standard rated" the Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103) shall be greater than zero.
  • BR-S-08: For each different value of VAT category rate (BT-119) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Standard rated", the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amounts (BT-131) plus the sum of document level charge amounts (BT-99) minus the sum of document level allowance amounts (BT-92) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-102, BT-95) is "Standard rated" and the VAT rate (BT-152, BT-103, BT-96) equals the VAT category rate (BT-119).
  • BR-S-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where VAT category code (BT-118) is "Standard rated" shall equal the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) multiplied by the VAT category rate (BT-119).
  • BR-S-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with VAT Category code (BT-118) "Standard rate" shall not have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121) or VAT exemption reason text (BT-120).

Zero rated (Z)

BR-Z, 10 rules

Zero rated VAT rules. These apply when a line uses VAT category code Z.

  • BR-Z-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "Zero rated" shall contain in the VAT breakdown (BG-23) exactly one VAT category code (BT-118) equal with "Zero rated".
  • BR-Z-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Zero rated" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-Z-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Zero rated" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-Z-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Zero rated" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-Z-05: In an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Zero rated" the Invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-Z-06: In a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Zero rated" the Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-Z-07: In a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Zero rated" the Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-Z-08: In a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where VAT category code (BT-118) is "Zero rated" the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amount (BT-131) minus the sum of Document level allowance amounts (BT-92) plus the sum of Document level charge amounts (BT-99) where the VAT category codes (BT-151, BT-95, BT-102) are "Zero rated".
  • BR-Z-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where VAT category code (BT-118) is "Zero rated" shall equal 0 (zero).
  • BR-Z-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with VAT Category code (BT-118) "Zero rated" shall not have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121) or VAT exemption reason text (BT-120).

Exempt from VAT (E)

BR-E, 10 rules

Exempt from VAT rules. These apply when a line uses VAT category code E and require a stated exemption reason.

  • BR-E-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "Exempt from VAT" shall contain exactly one VAT breakdown (BG-23) with the VAT category code (BT-118) equal to "Exempt from VAT".
  • BR-E-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Exempt from VAT" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-E-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Exempt from VAT" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-E-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Exempt from VAT" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63).
  • BR-E-05: In an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Exempt from VAT", the Invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-E-06: In a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Exempt from VAT", the Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-E-07: In a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Exempt from VAT", the Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-E-08: In a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Exempt from VAT" the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amounts (BT-131) minus the sum of Document level allowance amounts (BT-92) plus the sum of Document level charge amounts (BT-99) where the VAT category codes (BT-151, BT-95, BT-102) are "Exempt from VAT".
  • BR-E-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) In a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) equals "Exempt from VAT" shall equal 0 (zero).
  • BR-E-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with VAT Category code (BT-118) "Exempt from VAT" shall have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121) or a VAT exemption reason text (BT-120).

Reverse charge (AE)

BR-AE, 10 rules

Reverse charge rules. These apply when a line uses VAT category code AE, where the buyer accounts for the VAT.

  • BR-AE-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "Reverse charge" shall contain in the VAT breakdown (BG-23) exactly one VAT category code (BT-118) equal with "VAT reverse charge".
  • BR-AE-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Reverse charge" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller Tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) and the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48) and/or the Buyer legal registration identifier (BT-47).
  • BR-AE-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Reverse charge" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) and the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48) and/or the Buyer legal registration identifier (BT-47).
  • BR-AE-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Reverse charge" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) and the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48) and/or the Buyer legal registration identifier (BT-47).
  • BR-AE-05: In an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Reverse charge" the Invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-AE-06: In a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Reverse charge" the Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-AE-07: In a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Reverse charge" the Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103) shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-AE-08: In a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Reverse charge" the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amounts (BT-131) minus the sum of Document level allowance amounts (BT-92) plus the sum of Document level charge amounts (BT-99) where the VAT category codes (BT-151, BT-95, BT-102) are "Reverse charge".
  • BR-AE-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Reverse charge" shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-AE-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with VAT Category code (BT-118) "Reverse charge" shall have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121), meaning "Reverse charge" or the VAT exemption reason text (BT-120) "Reverse charge" (or the equivalent standard text in another language).

Not subject to VAT (O)

BR-O, 14 rules

Not subject to VAT rules. These apply when a line uses VAT category code O, and they forbid VAT details elsewhere on the invoice.

  • BR-O-01: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25), a Document level allowance (BG-20) or a Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-151, BT-95 or BT-102) is "Not subject to VAT" shall contain exactly one VAT breakdown group (BG-23) with the VAT category code (BT-118) equal to "Not subject to VAT".
  • BR-O-02: An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain the Seller VAT identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) or the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48).
  • BR-O-03: An Invoice that contains a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain the Seller VAT identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) or the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48).
  • BR-O-04: An Invoice that contains a Document level charge (BG-21) where the Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain the Seller VAT identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63) or the Buyer VAT identifier (BT-48).
  • BR-O-05: An Invoice line (BG-25) where the VAT category code (BT-151) is "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain an Invoiced item VAT rate (BT-152).
  • BR-O-06: A Document level allowance (BG-20) where VAT category code (BT-95) is "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain a Document level allowance VAT rate (BT-96).
  • BR-O-07: A Document level charge (BG-21) where the VAT category code (BT-102) is "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain a Document level charge VAT rate (BT-103).
  • BR-O-08: In a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is " Not subject to VAT" the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) shall equal the sum of Invoice line net amounts (BT-131) minus the sum of Document level allowance amounts (BT-92) plus the sum of Document level charge amounts (BT-99) where the VAT category codes (BT-151, BT-95, BT-102) are "Not subject to VAT".
  • BR-O-09: The VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where the VAT category code (BT-118) is "Not subject to VAT" shall be 0 (zero).
  • BR-O-10: A VAT Breakdown (BG-23) with VAT Category code (BT-118) " Not subject to VAT" shall have a VAT exemption reason code (BT-121), meaning " Not subject to VAT" or a VAT exemption reason text (BT-120) " Not subject to VAT" (or the equivalent standard text in another language).
  • BR-O-11: An Invoice that contains a VAT breakdown group (BG-23) with a VAT category code (BT-118) "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain other VAT breakdown groups (BG-23).
  • BR-O-12: An Invoice that contains a VAT breakdown group (BG-23) with a VAT category code (BT-118) "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is not "Not subject to VAT".
  • BR-O-13: An Invoice that contains a VAT breakdown group (BG-23) with a VAT category code (BT-118) "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain Document level allowances (BG-20) where Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95) is not "Not subject to VAT".
  • BR-O-14: An Invoice that contains a VAT breakdown group (BG-23) with a VAT category code (BT-118) "Not subject to VAT" shall not contain Document level charges (BG-21) where Document level charge VAT category code (BT-102) is not "Not subject to VAT".

Reading the pattern

Read down the list and the families are visibly one template with a word substituted. Nine of the ten open the same way, requiring a VAT breakdown entry for the category and a seller identifier to go with it, then constrain the rate, then fix the arithmetic, then say whether an exemption reason is required or forbidden. The differences are the whole content: the rate constraint is zero for some categories and non-zero for others, the exemption reason is demanded by one family and prohibited by four, and split payment is two rules rather than ten because it constrains where the invoice comes from rather than what is on it.

An invoice may carry several categories at once, and when it does every family whose code appears is applied. The families do not know about each other, so a rule requiring a field for one category and a rule forbidding it for another both fire, and the invoice has to satisfy both within their own breakdown entries.